Ian

Johnson

They’ll give Johnson a look on special teams as a replacement for Maurice Hicks. He’s got a great chance to make the team on a shallow depth chart. Johnson ran in the 4.4s at the Combine, is a competitive player, and can catch passes, but won’t be higher than third on the depth chart.

Johnson was a great story after his magical career at Boise State, but now he’s facing some adversity. The Vikings looked like a good chance for the undrafted rookie to find a roster spot.

John David Booty is expected to clear waivers and join him on the eight-man squad. Johnson lost out to Albert Young to be the Vikes’ No. 3 tailback, but offers more explosiveness and could overtake him on the practice field.

Only an injury to Adrian Peterson or Chester Taylor will make this battle matter. Even then, it’s unlikely Young or Johnson would be a fantasy factor. Maurice Hicks was Vikings’ No. 3 back last year and didn’t get a single carry.

Reynaud, at 5'9/201, will battle Albert Young, Ian Johnson, and whomever the Vikings draft in April to replace Chester Taylor as a third-down back. Reynaud is a physical player with plenty of pass-catching experience, so we wouldn’t rule out the switch being successful. Reynaud is also a core special teamer. He’ll probably be on the final roster regardless of his position.

Johnson is in a similar situation to Steve Slaton last year. He appeared to lose explosion late in his college career and at times was outplayed by sophomore Jeremy Avery. Johnson showed he still has speed with a 4.46 forty. He also measured 5'11/212 and did 26 reps of 225 on the bench.

His competition is Ian Johnson, Darius Reynaud, and Ryan Moats. With Adrian Peterson and Toby Gerhart locked into the Nos. 1-2 spots and both capable of playing all three downs, scraps will be left for the No. 3 job winner.

Ian, the former Fiesta Bowl hero, never came close to beating out Albert Young or Toby Gerhart for a roster spot. He spent the 2009 season on the Vikes’ practice squad. Sherels saw time on returns in preseason action, but he was exposed in coverage.

Toone, last year’s Mr. Irrelevant, spent most of the season on the Lions’ practice squad/injured reserve after breaking his right leg in practice. He should be fine for 2011 camp. Callaway is a big-bodied tackle at 6'5/312.

The former Boise State star never had much of a chance at cracking the 53-man roster. He’ll look to catch on elsewhere.